Zhang Leiming

Influences of error distributions of net ecosystem exchange on parameter estimation of a process-based terrestrial model: A case of broad-leaved Korean pine mixed forest in Changbaishan, China

Abstract Model predictions can be improved by parameter estimation from measurements. It was assumed that measurement errors of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 follow a normal distribution. However, recent studies have shown that errors in eddy covariance measurements closely follow a double exponential distribution. In this paper, we compared effects of different distributions of measurement errors of NEE data on parameter estimation. NEE measurements in the Changbaishan forest were assimilated into a process-based terrestrial ecosystem model. We used the Markov chain Monte Carlo method to derive probability density functions of estimated parameters. Our results showed that modeled annual total gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Re) using the normal error distribution were higher than those using the double exponential distribution by 61–86 gC m−2 a−1 and 107–116 gC m−2 a−1, respectively. As a result, modeled annual sum of NEE using the normal error distribution was lower by 29–47 gC m−2 a−1 than that using the double exponential error distribution. Especially, modeled daily NEE based on the normal distribution underestimated the strong carbon sink in the Changbaishan forest in the growing season. We concluded that types of measurement error distributions and corresponding cost functions can substantially influence the estimation of parameters and carbon fluxes.

Spatial patterns of terrestrial net ecosystem productivity in China during 1981―2000

As the third largest country in the world, China has highly variable environmental condition and ecological pattern in both space and time. Quantification of the spatial-temporal pattern and dynamic of terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycle in China is of great significance to regional and global carbon budget. In this study, we used a high-resolution climate database and an improved ecosystem process-based model to quantify spatio-temporal pattern and dynamic of net ecosystem productivity (NEP) in China and its responses to climate change during 1981 to 2000. The results showed that NEP increased from north to south and from northeast to southwest. Positive NEP (carbon sinks) occurred in the west of Southwest China, southeastern Tibet, Sanjiang Plain, Da Hinggan Mountains and the mid-west of North China. Negative NEP (carbon sources) were mainly found in Central China, the south of Southwest China, the north of Xinjiang, west and north of Inner Mongolia, and parts of North China. From the 1980s to 1990s, the increasing trend of NEP occurred in the middle of Northeast China Plain and the Loess Plateau and decreasing trends mainly occurred in a greater part of Central China. In the study period, natural forests had minimal carbon uptake, while grassland and shrublands accounted for nearly three fourths of the total carbon terrestrial uptakes in China during 1981–2000.

Construction and progress of Chinese terrestrial ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and water fluxes coordinated observation

Eddy Covariance technique (EC) achieves the direct measurement on ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and water fluxes, and it provides scientific data for accurately assessing ecosystem functions in mitigating global climate change. This paper briefly reviewed the construction and development of Chinese terrestrial ecosystem flux observation and research network (ChinaFLUX), and systematically introduced the design principle and technology of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and water fluxes coordinated observation system of ChinaFLUX. In addition, this paper summarized the main progress of ChinaFLUX in the ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and water exchange and environmental controlling mechanisms, the spatial pattern of carbon, nitrogen and water fluxes and biogeographical mechanisms, and the regional terrestrial ecosystem carbon budget assessment. Finally, the prospects and emphases of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon, nitrogen and water fluxes coordinated observation of ChinaFLUX are put forward to provide theoretical references for the development of flux observation and research in China.

Observations of Aerosol Optical Properties in the Beijing Urban Area in Summer

Abstract To investigate aerosol optical properties in the Beijing metropolitan area, aerosol absorption coefficient (Ab), scattering coefficient (Sc), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured in the Beijing urban area from 20 May to 30 August 2009. The average Ab, Sc, single scattering albedo (SSA), and PM2.5 concentration were 58.0±39.5 M m-1, 343.5±353.7 M m-1, 0.80±0.10 and 63.6±50.0 µg m-3, respectively, during the observation period. Ab, Sc, and SSA all showed single peak diurnal variations, with their maximum values being measured at 0500, 1000, and 1300 local time, respectively. Ab and Sc had a strong positive correlation with PM2.5, and Ab, Sc, and PM2.5 all had positive correlations with relative humidity and negative correlations with wind speed.

Recognizing the Scientific Mission of Flux Tower Observation Networks—Lay the Solid Scientific Data Foundation for Solving Ecological Issues Related to Global Change

Abstract: As the Earth entering into the Anthropocene, global sustainable development requires ecological research to evolve into the large-scale, quantitative, and predictive era. It necessitates a revolution of ecological observation technology and a long-term accumulation of scientific data. The ecosystem flux tower observation technology is the right one to meet this requirement. However, the unique advantages and potential values of global-scale flux tower observation are still not fully appreciated. Reviewing the development history of global meteorological observation and its scientific contributions to the society, we can get an important enlightenment to re-cognize the scientific mission of flux observation.